What private GP visits, specialists and tests cost in Spain

Key rules

• Price order: A GP visit costs least, a first specialist visit costs more, and tests and scans depend on what exactly you order.
• Location: Madrid, Barcelona and tourist areas tend to cost more than smaller cities.
• Clinic type: Hospital groups usually charge more than independent clinics, and low-cost chains tend to charge least.
• Quotes: Always get the current price from the clinic before you book.

Prices here are general patterns, not fixed figures, so confirm current prices with each clinic, laboratory or imaging centre.

What to expect

Private care in Spain falls into a clear order. A GP visit is the cheapest. A first specialist consultation costs more. Tests and scans depend on exactly what you ask for. No single price applies everywhere, so treat any figure you hear as a starting point and get a quote before you book.

GP visits

A private GP (medicina general) visit is usually a modest cost, at or below the price of a specialist visit. Hospital groups charge more than independent clinics and low-cost providers. Insurance status also changes the price, so say up front that you are paying yourself.

Specialist visits

A first specialist consultation costs more than a GP visit. The price depends on the specialty, such as dermatology, gynaecology, traumatology, cardiology or psychiatry. Hospital groups in Madrid and Barcelona tend to sit at the high end. Ask which specialty the quote covers and whether follow-up visits are priced separately.

Blood tests

The price depends on the panel. A basic panel covers blood count, glucose, cholesterol, liver and kidney. An extended panel with hormones, vitamins or tumour markers costs far more. Laboratory chains often sell fixed packages, so ask exactly what is in the one you are quoted.

MRI scans

The price depends on the body area (knee, spine, brain and so on), whether contrast is used, and the centre. Contrast adds to the cost. Diagnostic imaging chains are often cheaper than hospital groups.

Ultrasounds

An ecografía varies by type: abdominal, thyroid, obstetric, musculoskeletal or Doppler. Simple scans cost less than Doppler or specialised obstetric scans. Tell the centre which type you need so the quote is right.

Why prices differ

• City: Madrid, Barcelona and tourist areas tend to be pricier. Smaller cities are cheaper.
• Clinic type: hospital groups usually charge more than independent clinics. Low-cost chains and insurer-linked networks tend to charge the least.

Prices change, so confirm the current figure with the clinic, laboratory or imaging centre before you book. The checklist below lists what to ask.

Checklist

• Ask at least three providers for the price of the same visit or test, including one independent clinic and one low-cost or insurer-linked option.

• Compare prices in your city with a nearby smaller city, since Madrid, Barcelona and tourist areas tend to cost more.

• Ask which specialty the first specialist consultation is for, and expect it to cost more than a GP visit.

• Ask the laboratory which tests a blood test package includes, such as a basic panel or an extended one with hormones, vitamins or tumour markers.

• Ask the imaging centre whether the MRI price covers the body area you need and whether contrast is included.

• Tell the centre which type of ultrasound you need, such as abdominal, thyroid, obstetric, musculoskeletal or Doppler, before asking for a price.

Frequently asked questions

Does the type of clinic change what I pay for a private visit?

Yes, hospital groups usually charge more than independent clinics, while low-cost chains and insurer-linked networks tend to charge the least. Ask two or three types of clinic for a price before you book.

Are big cities more expensive for private care?

Yes, Madrid, Barcelona and tourist areas tend to be pricier, while smaller cities are cheaper. If you can travel, compare a clinic in a nearby smaller city.

Why do MRI prices differ so much between centres?

MRI prices depend on the body area, such as knee, spine or brain, and on whether contrast is used. Contrast adds to the cost.

Is every ultrasound the same price?

No, simple scans cost less than Doppler or specialised obstetric scans. The price also depends on the centre, so say which type of ultrasound you were prescribed when you ask.